ALERT - CASES OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) DETECTED IN A FEW COUNTIES IN KENTUCKY AND OUR NEIGHBORING TENNESSEE

Detections posted on the USDA HPAI reporting site - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/h5n1-hpai. 

• 09 Jan 2026 - a non-commercial backyard flock in Clinton County, KY
• 23 Dec 2025 - a non-commercial backyard flock in Lawrence County, KY
• 23 Dec 2025 - commercial small flock (i.e., sell produce off the farm) in Obion County, TN near the Kentucky state line
• 12 Dec 2025 - commercial small egg laying flock (pastured) in Jessamine County, KY

Wild bird mortality/morbidity reported:

• Dec 2025 - Two species of geese (snow geese and Ross's geese) in Henderson, Mercer, Green and Warren counties
• Oct 2025 - Black vultures in Grant, Franklin, and Madison Counties

Factsheet from Kentucky Department of Agriculture on HPAI in poultry flocks in Kentucky (pdf)

Hunters and hikers are urged to follow routine precautions:

• Do not harvest, handle or consume wild birds that are sick or otherwise found dead.
• Dress harvested waterfowl outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and wash hands with soap and warm water after handling wild birds and disposing of carcasses. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Disinfect any equipment (knives and surfaces) that touch birds. Use dedicated tools for cleaning the game and avoid using them around poultry or pet birds.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling or cleaning game birds.
• Double bag the feathers and other remains. Tie the inner bag, take off your gloves and leave them in the outer bag before tying it closed. Place the bag in the trash and close the lid on the receptacle. Discard in a trash can with a secure lid to prevent scavengers from getting the carcass.
• All game should be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
• Do not feed dogs raw or undercooked meat from harvested waterfowl.
• Wash your vehicles, clothing and bedding as soon as possible after returning home.

If you have multiple bird deaths (wild or domestic), contact the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Lab immediately.

Avian influenza hit the headlines went it jumped from chickens to humans in Asia. There are many types of avian influenza and the strains that have appeared in Asia are not present in the United States. While keeping chickens outdoors increases their contact with wild birds, it is unlikely that they will be exposed to the deadly strain of avian influenza. Small flock owners should be on the lookout for other strains of avian influenza. A good biosecurity program is essential to keep any disease-causing organisms out of your flock.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to ensure the health of their birds. APHIS has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists and a toolkit available.

In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to state/federal officials, either through their state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks.

• Bird Flu - Information for Hunters and Taxidermists
• Bird Flu - Identification and Reporting
• Bird Flu - Considerations for Pets and Non-Farm Animals
• Bird Flu - Cleaning and Disinfection
• Bird Flu - Biosecurity and Prevention
• Avian Influenza in Poultry (University of Florida)
• Merck Veterinarian Manual - Avian influenza in poultry and wild animals (pdf)
• eXtension webinar recording: Bird flu vaccines - are they a possibility for the USA (target audience is Small and Backyard Poultry Owners (YouTube)